The makers of a new boxing film to be made in Belfast say the project could be floored unless vital funds are raised soon.

The Fall's Bronagh Taggart and husband Jonathan Harden, who has starred alongside Dame Judi Dench and Kristin Scott Thomas, want to create a movie about a young woman’s battle to succeed both inside and out of the ring.

The movie has the backing of a string of A-listers including Liam Neeson, Gillian Anderson and James Nesbitt.

Bronagh penned the plot of Guard, with Jonathan directing the production.

But to get to screen the couple need to raise just over £12,000.

They are still short of the target, and have urged the public to dig deep so the film makers can get to work.

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Jonathan, currently appearing in BBC drama My Mother and Other Strangers, said: “The support we’ve had from the industry has been amazing, but we need the people of Northern Ireland to get behind us and help get the film made.

"Liam Neeson, Gillian Anderson and James Nesbitt all think very highly of the script; that should tell people just how good this could be. The only remaining hurdle is financial. As hard as it is, that’s the reality of making a film.”

Belfast-born Geraldine Hughes, who starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in Rocky Balboa, is the latest name to join the long list of backers. And Geraldine, a veteran of Hollywood’s biggest boxing franchise, sees award-winning potential in the project.

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Speaking from her home in New York, Hughes suggested that Guard could be a contender for an Oscar.

She said: "Jonathan and Bronagh are a courageous pair who are creating a piece of work with great nobility of purpose.

"I support them 100 percent and am excited that a female character is getting into the ring and will no doubt be bringing another Northern Irish film to the Oscars."

The rest of the team behind Guard are no strangers to success. Those on board include Glengormley BAFTA-winner Michael Lennox, Emmy award winning casting director of Game of Thrones, Robert Sterne and RTS award-winning local filmmaker Sean Murray.

But with only days left of their crowdfunding campaign, there’s no guarantee the project will reach its target. Speaking from London, James Nesbitt appealed to people to support the film before it’s too late.

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He added: “It’s the most magnificent, poignant script and I have every confidence that Jonathan and Bronagh will make it the incredible drama it deserves to be. So go on. Join me. Back Guard.”

In return for donating as little as a tenner, investors benefit from a range of perks, including tickets for the premiere, signed memorabilia and exclusive Guard merchandise. And the team are also pledging 5% of all money raised to Women’s Aid NI.